Phoong meeting with some of the community members at the engagement session.
KOTA KINABALU: Luyang Assemblyman and DAP Sabah Chairman Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe has announced that the much-anticipated Foh Sang Multi-Storey Car Park will officially open on January 1, 2025.
This milestone marks a significant step forward for the Luyang community, symbolising progress and modernisation in the area.
Phoong, who is also the Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister, provided updates on the operational plans during a community engagement session organised in collaboration with Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK). The event saw robust participation, with nearly 100 hawkers and business owners in attendance.
He highlighted the collaborative efforts that made the project possible, thanking DBKK, hawkers and local business owners for their support.
“This is a community-driven achievement that will benefit Foh Sang for generations to come,” he said.
Phoong announced that the Foh Sang Multi-Storey Car Park and Market will become operational on January 1, 2025.
In the first phase, priority for market stalls will be given to existing hawkers. The remaining stalls will open for public application after two months, with allocations conducted through a transparent public draw system.
Parking will be free for the first two months. After this period, a nominal fee of RM1 per hour will be introduced to encourage usage while maintaining affordability. The facility will feature two elevators and an automated payment system to ensure accessibility and efficiency for all users.
The market will include separate zones for wet and dry goods, along with designated areas for morning and night markets. Regular sanitation measures will be implemented to maintain cleanliness and hygiene, while a police presence will be established to enhance public safety.
Phoong clarified that the Foh Sang Multi-Storey Car Park will remain under the full ownership and management of DBKK, dispelling rumors of privatisation.
He stressed that the facility is a public asset designed for the benefit of the community.
Phoong also shared plans for the next phase of the project, which will focus on upgrading the surrounding environment. This includes improving pedestrian walkways to create an elderly-friendly and walkable community, making Foh Sang a more inclusive, livable and accessible neighborhood for all residents, particularly the elderly and individuals with mobility challenges.
To ease the transition for hawkers, Phoong announced a RM1,000 relocation financial aid for each hawker. This support aims to minimise disruptions to their livelihoods and was warmly received by attendees.
He reaffirmed his dedication to the continued development of Foh Sang and Luyang, pledging to collaborate closely with DBKK and the local community to foster a safer, more prosperous environment for all.
“This project is not just about infrastructure; it’s about building a better future for our community,” he said.
